Status report on euro counterfeits recovered in the second half of 2017

In the second half of 2017 a total of 1,457 counterfeit euro banknotes were recovered in Slovakia. This number was around 3% lower compared with the first half of 2017. Approximately 90% of all counterfeits were recovered from circulation.

Half-yearly trend in the number of counterfeit euro banknotes

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Period

1H

2H

1H

2H

1H

2H

1H

2H

1H

2H

1H

2H

1H

2H

Number

720

5,540

790

654

979

1,736

1,910

1,556

1,878

1,046

1,852

1,346

1,507

1,457

The counterfeit banknotes recovered in the second half of 2017 consisted mostly of counterfeit €50 banknotes (65.5% of the total). The number of €500 counterfeits recovered in the same period remained elevated (12.4% of the total).

Number of counterfeit euro banknotes by denomination

€5

€10

€20

€50

€100

€200

€500

Total

Number

23

20

135

955

109

34

181

1,457

%

1.6

1.4

9.3

65.5

7.5

2.3

12.4

100.0

While the quality of counterfeit banknotes is generally high, the public can detect them without special equipment if they stay vigilant when receiving banknotes. Genuine banknotes can be easily recognised using the "feel, look and tilt" method described on the euro pages of the ECB's website (www.ecb.int) and the websites of the Eurosystem national central banks.

Coins

In the second half of 2017 a total of 507 counterfeit euro coins were recovered in Slovakia. The number of coin counterfeits has been falling for an extended period of time. Counterfeit €2 coins accounted for 75.5% of the total. All coin counterfeits were recovered from circulation.

Half-yearly trend in the number of counterfeit euro coins

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Period

1H

2H

1H

2H

1H

2H

1H

2H

1H

2H

1H

2H

1H

2H

Number

786

842

896

2,111

3,216

29,271

1,511

1,213

971

854

9,622

638

574

507

The technical quality of coin counterfeits is mostly high or very high, and it may therefore be quite difficult for the public to detect them, especially if insufficient attention is paid to coins when received.

Number of counterfeit euro coins by denomination

50 cent

€1

€2

Total

Number

72

52

383

507

%

14.2

10.3

75.5

100.0

The easiest way to detect a counterfeit coin is with a simple magnet. Genuine €1 and €2 coins have a magnetic core and therefore by applying a magnet to the core it is possible to compare the magnetism of a suspect coin with that of a genuine coin. It is also important to observe the general appearance and colour of a suspect coin. In the case of a suspect €2 coin, it is also recommended to check the edge lettering.

More detailed information about the common and national sides of euro circulation coins can be found on the websites of the ECB and Národná banka Slovenska.